Here in South Kona, on the Bay at the bottom of Napoopoo Road, lies a hidden local beach park that is the perfect spot for relaxing & getting away from it all: Manini Beach. (Manini means “small” in Hawaiian). The park is carpeted from side to side with a wonderful grassy lawn to lounge on, with plenty of shade for those who don’t want to be in the sun all day. There are picnic tables and a little sandy area that makes for an easy entry into the clear & refreshing waters of Kealakekua Bay for snorkeling, swimming, or stand-up paddle boarding. Across the Bay, the monument is visible where the British explorer Captain James Cook met his demise in 1779.
There aren’t any concessions in this neighborhood, so if you don’t have your own snorkel equipment, you will want to rent snorkel gear in Captain Cook before heading down. Pack a cooler with beverages and sandwiches or poke (Hawaiian raw fish salad . . . a favorite here in the islands!) from one of the great lunch spots on Route 11 and take an afternoon to relax, snack, snorkel, swim, and maybe even catching a quick nap or two! Be sure to enjoy this off-the-path South Kona gem while here in the neighborhood with us!